Protect Natural Floodplain Functions

Protecting our natural floodplain functions is something that should be considered with every development project, big or small. But why?

What does a floodplain do?

From flood protection to safeguarding water quality and great wildlife habitat, healthy floodplains provide a myriad of benefits for people and nature.

What floodplains do we have in Edgewater?

Our biggest floodplain areas are in and along the Indian River Lagoon. The lagoon is a 156-mile long estuary where salt from the Atlantic Ocean mixes with freshwater from the land and tributaries. The lagoon provides a great number of benefits and functions to the habitat and to Edgewater's people. Things such as:

-Fish and wildlife habitat protection

-Natural flood and erosion control

-Surface water quality maintenance

-Groundwater recharge

-Biological productivity

-Recreational opportunities (fishing, wildlife watching, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, etc.)

Floodplains and other natural areas are protected by various local, state and federal regulations. Agencies such as the St. Johns River Water Management District and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection help regulate and enforce restrictions to maintain healthy natural areas in Florida

What other benefits come from protecting these areas?

Aside from protecting the floodplain for ecological purposes, management and protection of floodplains also helps with the economic side of things. Identifying and protecting or restoring regularly inundated areas posing the highest flood risk can reduce the consequences of flooding. When we are aware of where special flood hazard areas are and can avoid building in them, or build to a higher standard, we can avoid potential damage to persons or properties down the road in the event of a flood event occurring.

Not only that, but many of the activities listed above are enjoyed by a lot of Edgewater's community and account  for many important sources of income within that community. With maintaining or strengthening our natural floodplains and Indian River Lagoon we only enhance the experience for people doing these activities, and therefore increase the economic impact for a lot of Edgewater.

How can I help?

Although the size of natural floodplains and our Indian River Lagoon is too large for any one person to maintain on there own, any amount of help from anyone plays a role!

Find small ways that you can make an impact here.

Also, check out the other tabs in our Flood Information section to read up on other ways of staying knowledgeable and responsible when dealing with floodplains.

For more information from FEMA on the natural functions and benefits of floodplains, click here.